Tag: Rafael

Roger Federer has now won 66 matches at Indian Wells – the most of any player Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will face each other for the first time since 2017 in the semi-finals at Indian Wells after winning their respective quarter-finals on Friday. Swiss fourth seed Federer, 37, eased past Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz 6-4 6-4. Spanish second seed Nadal, 32, required treatment on his right knee during a tough 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-2) victory over Russia’s Karen Khachanov. Nadal said he “hopefully” will be ready for Saturday’s semi-final. “I…

Nick Kyrgios is ranked 72 in the world Australia’s Nick Kyrgios “lacks respect for the public, the rival and himself”, says world number two Rafael Nadal. The 17-time Grand Slam champion lost a dramatic second-round match to world number 72 Kyrgios 3-6 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (8-6) at the Mexican Open in Acapulco. Kyrios served underarm late on during the match against the Spaniard. Nadal said: “He’s a player who has the talent to win Grand Slams – a player who can fight for the top rankings, but there’s a reason…

Cameron Norrie lost in the second round of the Rio Open last week Britain’s Cameron Norrie and Johanna Konta both won to reach the second round of the Mexican Open. Norrie, 23, beat Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka 6-2 2-6 6-2, while Konta, 27, overcame Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-3 6-2 in Acapulco. Spain’s Rafael Nadal beat Germany’s Mischa Zverev 6-3 6-2 in his first match since losing the Australian Open final in January. Nadal has reached the Mexico Open final in his three previous appearances. “I’m happy for the victory. It’s never…

Wolves 1-1 Newcastle: Benitez disappointed with late goal against Wolves Rafael Benitez questioned the stoppage-time challenge on goalkeeper Martin Dubravka that resulted in Wolves salvaging a 1-1 draw against Newcastle. Defender Willy Boly headed past the Slovak in the 94th minute, although replays suggest he might have impeded Dubravka in doing so. “I didn’t like the challenge at the end,” said Magpies boss Benitez. “You have to protect the keeper. We have been here for years and it’s still very difficult to explain that.” When asked if Newcastle should have…

Australian Open 2019 Venue: Melbourne Park Dates: 14-27 January Coverage: Live commentaries on the BBC Sport website, listen to Tennis Breakfast from 08:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and watch highlights on BBC TV and online. Second seed Rafael Nadal ended Greek youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas’ captivating run to reach his fifth Australian Open final in Melbourne. Nadal, 32, was in devastating form as he beat the 20-year-old 14th seed 6-2 6-4 6-0 in one hour and 46 minutes. The Spaniard cracked 28 winners, breaking Tsitsipas’ serve six…

Rafael Nadal fired down 11 aces in his victory over Frances Tiafoe Australian Open 2019 Venue: Melbourne Park Dates: 14-27 January Coverage: Daily live commentaries on the BBC Sport website, listen to Tennis Breakfast daily from 07:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and watch highlights on BBC TV and online. Second seed Rafael Nadal eased past unseeded American Frances Tiafoe to reach the Australian Open semi-finals and continue his bid to win all four Grand Slams for a second time. The 32-year-old Spaniard cracked 29 winners in…

Rafael Nadal has reached at least the quarter-finals in 11 of his past 12 appearances in Melbourne Australian Open 2019 Venue: Melbourne Park Dates: 14-27 January Coverage: Daily live commentaries on the BBC Sport website, listen to Tennis Breakfast daily from 07:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and watch highlights on BBC TV and online. Second seed Rafael Nadal swept aside former Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals without dropping a set. Spain’s Nadal, 32, beat Czech Berdych 6-0 6-1 7-6 (7-4) in…

Joselu gives Newcastle the lead in extra time Newcastle scored two goals in extra time to defeat Blackburn in their FA Cup third-round replay at Ewood Park. Sean Longstaff scored after a minute for the visitors with a deflected 25-yard shot, before Callum Roberts added the second with a fine volley. But Adam Armstrong pulled one back from Danny Graham’s pass and Darragh Lenihan’s powerful header made it 2-2. In extra time, Joselu scored from a rebound and Ayoze Perez’s powerful strike sealed the win for the visitors. Spanish striker…

Nadal and Murray are friends off the court and posed with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as part of New Year’s celebrations at the Brisbane Open last week Andy Murray’s impending retirement was a decision he had to take because he is “suffering”, says long-time rival Rafael Nadal. The 31-year-old Briton announced on Friday that he will quit this year, and next week’s Australian Open could be the final tournament of his career. “When you are going on court without a clear goal because you cannot move well and you have pain, then…

Newcastle failed to win their opening 10 games of the season It would be a “miracle” if Newcastle were to avoid relegation from the Premier League, says Rafael Benitez. The Magpies failed to win any of their opening 10 games of this campaign, but are currently 15th in the table, five points above the relegation zone. They impressed on their return to the top-flight from the Championship last season, finishing in 10th place. “We have to be realistic and understand we will be in the bottom half for the season,”…